Should You Be Worried About Your Dog’s Snoring?

Are you annoyed by your dog’s snoring? While it might not be as loud and obnoxious as your spouse’s, it can definitely keep you up at night. But beyond that, snoring could be a sign of a health issue. If you’re worried about your dog’s snoring, especially if it’s a recent occurrence, you’ll want your dog to get checked out right away.

Snoring could indicate a wide range of conditions, ranging from mild to serious:

Allergies: You probably already know that dogs get allergies. And hey, sometimes you snore during allergy season! Talk to your vet about treatment to make your pet more comfortable. It’s no fun to sleep when you’re congested!

Anatomical Issues: Some breeds, such as pugs and bull dogs, snore because of the way their sinuses are built. There isn’t much to be done about it. But if their snoring suddenly gets worse, it’s time to make a trip to the vet.

Aspergillosis: This is a fungal disease caused by mold found in grass clippings, hay, and other types of grass. It needs to be treated right away to prevent bigger problems later on.

Dental Problems: Bad teeth can lead to infection and inflammation in the sinuses, which can contribute to snoring. Dental issues can actually become dangerous if left untreated, causing systemic issues.

Foreign Objects: Dogs love to sniff! And sometimes, they inhale something that gets stuck! Whatever is in there needs to be removed ASAP.

Respiratory Infection: Just like people, dogs can get upper respiratory infections that contribute to snoring.

Tumors: A tumor in the sinus cavity can definitely contribute to snoring.

Weight: As is the case in humans, being overweight can contribute to snoring. Talk to your vet about ways to help manage your pet’s weight.

To help your vet best diagnose and help your dog, get a video or audio recording of the snoring before you go in for a visit. Different types of conditions have different types of snoring. Keep a log if your dog has been sneezing a lot, or take note if there’s nasal discharge or bleeding. These are all important factors your vet needs to be aware of.